Written by CD Sutton II   

Dear Guv;

I was dismayed to learn that someone in Albany had pushed through a bill that now makes it a felony to "annoy" a police officer. What exactly does that mean? Does the officer on the scene determine what is annoying? Are there set guidelines within this law to make that determination? I mean, what if I just fart in his/her general direction? Could that be construed as "annoying?"

I know this seems like a silly example...but this new law is no less silly. Another layer or buffer has been placed between the police and the citizenry, further widening the gap between "us" and "them"...a gap that is already a veritable chasm in the eyes of the public.

Please do not misunderstand me...I respect the police in general, but that respect is tempered on a case by case basis. You must know thaat the NYPD has a long and storied history of abusing their authority, and there are not enough Frank Serpicos on the force to act as checks and balances.

Saddest of all, I had planned to visit NYC this summer just to cross a couple things off my bucket list; a visit to the "Imagine" mosaic in Central Park, a sandwich at the Carnegie or Stage deli, Coney Island, Ground Zero, a drink at the King Cole bar, some shopping...but now I fear to go lest I inadvertantly annoy one of your police.


Please, Governor...please repeal this stupid legislation...before you find half of Manhattan in jail.